Also read a good one on Teddy Roosevelt covered his life as pertains to his adventures as a naturalist and explorer before becoming president. Forgot the title.

"City Of Vice" tells the story of Teddy Roosevelt's time as Chief of Police in NYC.

Interesting, as New York was corrupt as HELL at the time, with cops taking bribes left and right, and the city was chock FULL o' brothels on practically every corner downtown. Teddy didn't exactly clean the city of corruption (far from it), but he stomped around and made a lot of noise, building a reputation as a no-nonsense leader that helped him in his ambitions for national prominence.

I admit I did not finish that book, as it was a little dry at times and was a tad too long, in my opinion.

"City Of Vice" tells the story of Teddy Roosevelt's time as Chief of Police in NYC.

Interesting, as New York was corrupt as HELL at the time, with cops taking bribes left and right, and the city was chock FULL o' brothels on practically every corner downtown. Teddy didn't exactly clean the city of corruption (far from it), but he stomped around and made a lot of noise, building a reputation as a no-nonsense leader that helped him in his ambitions for national prominence.

I admit I did not finish that book, as it was a little dry at times and was a tad too long, in my opinion.

I have read a fictional book called the Alienist set in New York during this era. Somewhat like a Sherlock Holmes type character looking for the killer of little boy prostitutes.

I've read a LOT of great bios over the years. Most recently, Harry Belafonte's and Kwame Toure's...two men I admire greatly.

One I'd highly recommend about a likely little known figure in American history to most, called "Destiny of The Republic".It is about the life of President James Garfield, who was shot shortly into his presidency and eventually died. Really well written and quite compelling. Garfield comes across as really fascinating individual, highly intelligent and compassionate, and a man who could have been a great president had he lived long enough.

I read that about a month ago. Good stuff.

I especially liked how delusional the assassin was (can't remember his name now). The stuff on Bell was interesting as well.

I especially liked how delusional the assassin was (can't remember his name now). The stuff on Bell was interesting as well.

Yes, besides learning about Garfield, the back story on the crazy assassin was fascinating. He was a real loon. Also, the absolutely horrendous job the primary doctor who took over the president's medical care after the shooting. Those were the most interesting parts of the story, and it was written in a way that made it seem like a novel.

Had the meglomaniac doctor who took over the case not gotten involved, Garfield would likely have survived the assassination attempt.

I think a Tom Cruise movie is coming out where he plays Reacher. I'm looking forward to it.

Agree. So formulaic and genre-bound, but I can get through one like a box of cookies. Fun books to read. Met Child a couple of years ago - very debonair looking. Will be seeing him again in a month, and I will definitely ask him his thoughts on casting Tom Cruise as Reacher.

Junot Diaz was just awarded a MacArthur Award - the Genius thingy. Boy, if anyone was in the hunt for this, it would him. Nice.

Using Dominicanized Spanglish to chronicle the interior world of Washington Heights tigres is not my idea of what merits MacArthur recognition.But Diaz has been on a roll (deserved or not), and let a hundred flowers bloom.

Using Dominicanized Spanglish to chronicle the interior world of Washington Heights tigres is not my idea of what merits MacArthur recognition.But Diaz has been on a roll (deserved or not), and let a thousand flowers bloom.

Of course not - that's why you're the observer and he's the prize-winning writer.

Finished David Simon's 'Homicide,' his 1991 book about a year with Baltimore's murder squad detectives, which was later made into a tv series. A long book, which covers a lot: personalities, politics, geography and race among other things. Took me a bit of time to get into the book as a lot is thrown at the reader - just keeping the cast of characters straight in one's head is an initial problem. Book also has some structural issues as well, but these can be forgiven because what Simon does is fascinating -ie. following cases from corpse on the ground to guilty verdict; watch detectives fail or succeed to keep their shit together under pressure; show us the politics of a police unit; or, describe some really bizarre crimes, if you like the prurient stuff. Ultimately, the book really works because Simon is a superb writer and the whole of this book is so much greater than it's sums. If you like true crime stuff, this one is a keeper. Wonderful.

Started reading this book. The opening chapter is just mind-blowing. Since getting the Kindle I'm getting a little out of control on reading too many books at once. Reading three ebooks right now and reading the newer Malcom X bio in paperback.

Started reading this book. The opening chapter is just mind-blowing. Since getting the Kindle I'm getting a little out of control on reading too many books at once. Reading three ebooks right now and reading the newer Malcom X bio in paperback.

If it's Manning Marable's book you are referring to, be careful with believing every thing you read in that one.